CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Vietnamese Cultural Essence Show Celebrates 75 Years of Vietnam-Poland Diplomatic Relations

(TITC) – On 23rd June (local time), at the Polish Theatre in Warsaw, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted a vibrant cultural event titled “The Essence of Vietnamese Culture”, along with the opening ceremony of the exhibition “The Colours of Vietnamese Culture”. These activities were organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland.

“The Essence of Vietnamese Culture” steeped in Vietnam-Poland friendship

The event had the attendance of Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland (concurrently accredited to Lithuania); Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. On the Polish side, attendees included Mr. Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Bozena Zelazowska, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage; and Ms. Joanna Skoczek, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam. The event also drew a large audience from the Vietnamese community in Poland, Polish citizens, and international guests.

Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland (concurrently accredited to Lithuania) speaking at the event

In his remarks, Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland (concurrently accredited to Lithuania) praised the enduring and deeply rooted friendship between Vietnam and Poland. “Each milestone stands as a living testament to the power of trust and solidarity between our two peoples,” he stated. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the thousands of Vietnamese students who have studied in Poland and for the contributions of the Vietnamese community residing there. “They serve as living bridges, tirelessly promoting cooperation through cultural heritage, arts, and cuisine.”

Of particular highlight was the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival held at Warsaw’s Old Town on 22nd June, which attracted a large number of audiences eager to experience the essence of Vietnamese culture. Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai emphasized that the geographical distance between the two countries is no longer a barrier but rather a gateway for deeper collaboration across areas such as trade, investment, and education. He also highlighted potential partnerships in emerging sectors like environment, green energy, agriculture, digital transformation, and innovation.

Looking to the future, the Ambassador voiced his hope that the friendship between Vietnam and Poland would continue to flourish, bringing mutual benefits and contributing to global peace, development, and prosperity.

The event attracted a large number of international audiences

Mr. Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950 during a time of global upheaval. “This was not just a political gesture but a profound declaration of solidarity between two nations, distant in geography but close in shared experience and aspiration,” he said. Over the decades, bilateral relations have expanded robustly across trade, education, science, and culture. He noted that the human bonding, nurtured by generations of students, workers, and multicultural families, remains a cornerstone of Vietnam-Poland ties. He expressed his optimism that the bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in the years to come, contributing to a more peaceful and cohesive world.

Mr. Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaking at the event

Leaders from both sides performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the exhibition “The Colours of Vietnamese Culture”

International guests explored and enjoyed the exhibition “The Colours of Vietnamese Culture”

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong affirmed Vietnam’s deep appreciation for Polish contributions to cultural heritage preservation, particularly the work of architect Kazik, a devoted friend of Vietnam who played a key role in restoring Vietnam’s World Heritage sites such as Hoi An, My Son, and the Imperial City of Hue. He emphasized that heritage has laid the groundwork for enhanced tourism cooperation, where culture is not only preserved but also shared and celebrated.

With its natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Vietnam warmly welcomes international visitors, including Polish tourists. Deputy Minister Ho An Phong highlighted Vietnam’s recent visa exemption policy for Polish citizens, announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his official visit to Poland in January. This policy reflects Vietnam’s open-door policy and its desire to strengthen tourism relationship. He also acknowledged the Vietnamese community in Poland for their meaningful contributions to both societies and their role in spreading Vietnamese cultural values.

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaking at the event

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Promotion Program in Poland with its array of cultural activities, performances, exhibitions, and tourism promotion would leave a lasting impression on Polish citizens and the Vietnamese diaspora, further promoting tourism exchanges and deepening traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Delegates and distinguished guests taking souvenir photo

Traditional Vietnamese Art Performance

The audience was treated to a captivating showcase of traditional Vietnamese music, dance, and performances by artists from the Vietnam National Music, Song and Dance Theatre, offering a heartfelt celebration of cultural heritage and international friendship.

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CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Opening of the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum in Poland

(TITC) – On 24th June (local time), within the framework of the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland, Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism attended the inauguration ceremony of the Vietnamese Garden, a unique cultural space newly established on the grounds of the Asia and Pacific Museum. This museum is one of the most prestigious and well-known institutions specializing in Eurasian culture in Europe.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Opening of the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum

The Vietnamese Garden presents a distinctive Vietnamese cultural space to the Polish and international public, contributing to the promotion of Vietnam’s image within an international museum setting. It is a harmonious blend of culture, art, and landscape architecture, helping to build the image of a humanistic, friendly, and culturally rich Vietnam, while enhancing the country’s presence on the cultural map of Poland and Europe.

Speaking at the ceremony, MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong stated:

“We highly value the significance of establishing this garden, not merely as a landscape project, but as a vivid symbol of the identity, cultural depth, and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The bamboo groves, garden hedges, narrow paths, and traditional materials evoke memories of our homeland, and they also share with the world meaningful stories about the people and the land of Vietnam.”

Leaders and delegates taking photo by the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum

The inauguration of the Vietnamese Garden is also a meaningful highlight in the series of activities during the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Garden, along with other remarkable Vietnamese artefact collections at the Museum, contributes to creating a rich and captivating Vietnamese cultural space for the Polish audience and international visitors.

The Asia and Pacific Museum, established in 1973, is the only museum in Poland and one of the few in Europe dedicated to the culture, art, and daily life of countries across Asia and the Pacific region.

Currently, the museum houses around 25,000 artifacts from over 40 countries, including items related to beliefs, fine arts, handicrafts, costumes, musical instruments, and daily tools. Vietnam is among the countries with a large and prominent collection, including traditional opera masks, ethnic musical instruments, traditional costumes, Buddha statues, and folk paintings…

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly organizes thematic exhibitions, art performances, seminars, and various cultural exchange and educational activities in collaboration with communities and diplomatic missions.

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CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

MOCST organizes Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival in Poland

(TITC) – On 22nd June, the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival took place at the centre of Warsaw Old Town, Poland. The event is part of a series of activities during a working trip to three European countries by leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST), to promote cultural diplomacy and tourism of Vietnam, and stimulating travel demand from Vietnam’s traditional tourist markets.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to open the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival in Poland

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Ho An Phong, MOCST’s Deputy Minister; Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Republic of Poland and concurrently to Lithuania; Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; leaders of MOCST’s departments; representatives of the People’s Committee of Hue City and relevant local authorities; along with a large number of international guests.

Within the framework of the festival, numerous cultural programs took place, including the Vietnamese cuisine showcase, featuring signature dishes such as pho, nem ran (fried spring rolls), and Vietnamese iced milk coffee, which attracted a large number of delegates and guests to visit, experience, and enjoy. Delegates, locals, and visitors were also treated to traditional art performances by artists from the Vietnam National Music, Song and Dance Theatre.

VNAT’s Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu at the Hue City’s tourism promotional booth

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also set up a Vietnam tourism exhibition space, with an area displaying promotional videos on Vietnam’s tourism and its local destinations. Additionally, various booths distributed publications, souvenirs, promotional items, and provided information exchange. Visitors showed great interest in the area showcasing tourism products from Vietnamese businesses, as well as displays of Vietnamese agricultural products.

A particularly exciting element was the enthusiastic participation in mini game contests, including photo and video clip competitions about the festival. Prizes included:

– Two round-trip Europe-Vietnam air tickets (sponsored by Vietnam Airlines)

One all-inclusive 12-day “Vietnam’s Green Journey” tour (sponsored by LUX Group)

– Travel vouchers (sponsored by Vietravel)

– Travel and hotel program vouchers (sponsored by Hanoitourist)

– Hotel vouchers (sponsored by Alba Thanh Tan Resort)

The event was held in the open-air setting of Warsaw’s historic Old Town, attracting a large number of international visitors

The event was held in the open-air setting of Warsaw’s historic Old Town, attracting a large number of delegates, guests, and international visitors. The diverse and engaging activities closely linked to Vietnam’s unique culture, art, cuisine, and tourism left a strong impression and drew many attendees to participate and experience. As a result, the image of a friendly and attractive Vietnam with its rich cultural heritage was effectively introduced to the Polish public, contributing to increased interest and future visits from Polish tourists.

According to Resolution 11/NQ-CP by the Government of Vietnam, Poland is one of three European countries eligible for visa exemption with a maximum temporary stay of up to 45 days for tourism purposes, under programs organized by Vietnamese international travel service providers. This policy is effective from 01 March to 31 December 2025.

The Vietnamese cuisine showcase area attracted significant interest from international visitors

In terms of tourist exchange, in 2023, Vietnam welcomed over 34,000 Polish visitor arrivals, recovering to 98% of 2019 levels. In 2024, the number rose to over 51,000, an increase of 25% compared to 2019. In the first five months of 2025, nearly 37,000 Polish tourist arrivals visited Vietnam, up 44.5% year-on-year. Poland currently ranks 6th among European markets sending tourists to Vietnam.

Year 2024 marks a strong expansion phase for outbound tourism from Poland, with significant increases in both the number of trips and tourism spendings. Data shows Polish travelers made approximately 14.6 million international trips in 2024, with estimated spending at USD 10.4 billion. In addition to traditional European destinations, Polish tourists are showing growing interest in farther destinations across Asia. With its rapid growth, the Polish outbound travel market is becoming increasingly important. The visa exemption policy under Resolution 11 provides a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese destinations and tourism businesses to connect, collaborate, and attract more Polish visitors in the near future.

Exhibition Area of Vietnamese Agricultural Products

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CategoriesNews By Ánh Ngọc Trương

PRESS RELEASE

Hanoi, 26 February 2025 – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issues the Plan to implement Government Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP dated January 15, 2025 and the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025 with the theme “Vietnam – Timeless Journey, Endless love!”.

The program is issued to implement Government Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP on visa exemption in the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025 for citizens of the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic and the Swiss Confederation and Government Resolution No. 25/NQ-CP dated 5 February 2025 on growth targets of the economy; improve the quality of service for tourists, and foster the attraction of international tourists to Vietnam in 2025.

1. Information on the implementation of Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP

The visa exemption policy with a temporary residence period of 45 days from the date of entry for tourism purposes for citizens of the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic and the Swiss Confederation under Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP is implemented from 1 March 2025 to 31 December 2025 to stimulate tourism development. Citizens of the 3 countries entering Vietnam need to meet: entry conditions under the unilateral visa exemption according to the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, and passports with a validity of at least 6 months. They are required to travel on tours organized by Vietnam’s inbound licensed tour operators and show a confirmation of participation in the tour program issued by the Vietnam’s tour operators (according to Form No. 2). Vietnam’s tour operators need to send registration of organizing tour programs for citizens of the 3 countries to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (according to Form No. 1).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinates with ministries, sectors, and local authorities to guide businesses to implement Resolution 11/NQ-CP and the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025; strengthen communication and promotion to attract international tourists to Vietnam as well as organize the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow in the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic and the Swiss Confederation and Vietnam Culture – Tourism Week in the Republic of Poland and the Czech Republic to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

The Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense create favorable conditions to welcome tourists to Vietnam under Resolution 11/NQ-CP entering via international border gates. Airlines increase connectivity, create favorable conditions, and serve international tourists who are exempted from visas under Resolution 11/NQ-CP.

2. Information on the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025

The Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025 with many activities, events, and attrative tourist packages will contribute to completing the target of receiving 22-23 million international visitors and 120-130 million domestic visitors this year; creating momentum for growth in the following years, meeting the requirements of the breakthrough development of the tourism industry in line with the development roadmap of the economy.

Increase experiences for tourists through rich, diverse, and quality tour programs.

The Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025 will offer many products and services with preferential prices, increasing experiences for tourists. Accordingly, tourist areas, tourist attractions, historical relics, and scenic spots will exempt or reduce entrance fees for tourists according to legal regulations.

Service products, including tourist transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, shopping, and health care, are offered up to 50% discounts depending on each service item and applicable conditions announced by tourism, transportation and service providers according to regulations.

Organize diverse tour programs, promotional events for typical products and services of the locality to increase experiences for tourists through direct and online forms.

Many activities and events are organized to attract tourists. These include major national events such as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification; international forums and conferences hosted by Vietnam such as: the ASEAN Future Forum, the Partnership Summit for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Ministerial Meeting; Visit Vietnam Year – Hue 2025, Vietnam International Travel Mart VITM Hanoi 2025, International Travel Expo ITE Ho Chi Minh City 2025, other cultural, sports and tourism events…

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and relevant units will organize seminars on product development, famtrips and presstrips for travel agencies and the press to explore new destinations and unique products.

Cooperation and linkage of destinations and service products to create stimulus packages for tourists will also be promoted. Local authorities, tourism associations and businesses proactively build and sell integrated tourism product packages including: Cultural and heritage tourism product packages; Culinary tourism product packages; Golf tourism product packages; Eco-tourism, agricultural and rural tourism product packages; developing new tourism product packages, creating product diversity and improving service quality; product packages linking 2 or more destinations in a program for tourists.

Encourage the production of products and items with advantages, uniqueness, and local identity (OCOP products) as gifts and souvenirs for tourists.

Link localities and businesses in the tourism service product supply chain from transportation, shopping, cuisine, sightseeing, resorts, health care, conferences, seminars, sports, and events to create attractive stimulus packages for tourists; attract community participation in tourism activities.

To implement the Tourism Development Stimulus Program effectively, specific requirements for agencies, units and businesses are set as follows:

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will introduce the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in the 2025 tourism promotion campaigns; deploy a communication campaign on social media platforms and online tourism channels.

Build a tourism development stimulus webpage for local authorities and businesses to update information about products, promotional programs, service incentives, information about tour programs, destinations and tourism events, helping tourists easily to look up relevant information about the Stimulus Program.

Organize tourism promotion campaigns in key and potential tourism markets to popularize Vietnam’s tourism and enhance the attraction of international tourists.

The provincial People’s Committees direct the Departments of Tourism Management, tourism associations, tourism and service businesses in the cities/provinces to build a local Tourism Development Stimulus Program introducing unique tourism products and cultural events and festivals in the locality. Widely disseminate information to investors and the tourism business community in the area to actively participate in the Tourism Development Stimulus Program.

Publicly announce the contents and tourism businesses participating in the local Tourism Development Stimulus Program and send information to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism for updating on the tourism development stimulus program webpage.

Ensure the active and effective participation of businesses, organizations, and individuals doing business in accommodation, travel, transportation, and tourist destinations in building tourism stimulus promotion packages with preferential prices, increasing experiences for tourists, applying flexibly according to each period or within the time frame of tourism events, creating favorable conditions for visitors.

Implement state management tasks in the area, ensuring security, safety, and quality of products and services for tourists; regularly guide tourism service businesses to strictly comply with regulations on registration, listing and selling at listed prices for tourism products and services.

The Vietnam Tourism Association and local tourism associations build the Tourism Development Stimulus Program within the association; disseminate it and call for the active participation of members to implement the Stimulus Program and update information to tourism businesses.

Tourist transportation enterprises focus on building preferential policies for Vietnamese travel businesses including preferential price packages, discounts on train and plane tickets or promotional programs for tour groups participating in the Stimulus Program.

Consider opening more direct flights, charter flights, and increasing flight frequency connecting Vietnam’s tourism hubs with potential source markets.

Enterprises, organizations, and individuals doing business in international travel services, tourist areas, tourist attractions, tourist accommodation establishments, and tourism service providers actively participate in the Stimulus Program; build and sell preferential product packages under the Stimulus Program, suitable for target markets, ensuring service quality and complying with legal regulations.

Proactively coordinate with airlines, accommodation establishments, tourist spots, and tourism service establishments to offer preferential packages for international tourists.

Diversify products, improve the quality of tourism services, register to participate in the Tourism Development Stimulus Program through the local Department of Tourism Management; offer preferential packages, promotions, discounts on entrance tickets, service prices, and enhance experiences for tourists suitable for each period or the time of tourism events./.

CategoriesVisa exemption policy By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Resolution 11/NQ-CP on visa exemption for citizens of Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland

(TITC) – On 15 January, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP on visa exemption under the tourism stimulus program for citizens of the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Swiss Confederation.

Accordingly, from 1st March 2025 to 31st December 2025 under the framework of the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025, citizens of Poland, Czech and Switzerland will enjoy the visa exemption policy with up to 45 days stay duration from the date of entry, regardless of passport type, on the basis of fully satisfying the conditions prescribed by Vietnamese law.

Citizens of those nations above shall enter Vietnam under the unilateral visa exemption policy and travel on tours organised by Vietnam’s inbound licensed tour operators. The travellers must have a passport with the validation of at least 6 months and tour purchase confirmation issued by the Vietnam’s inbound licensed tour operators.

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CategoriesStimulus Program By Ánh Ngọc Trương

Plan of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to implement Resolution 11/NQ-CP

(TITC) – On February 26, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Plan No. 760/KH-BVHTTDL to implement Government’s Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP dated January 15, 2025.

International tourists to Vietnam (Photo: Thua Thien Hue Online)

Accordingly, to carry out Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP on visa exemption under the tourism stimulus program for 2025 for citizens of the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Swiss Confederation, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued an implementation plan. This aims to attract international tourists from these markets to Vietnam and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism sector through preferential policies, streamlined entry procedures, and unique travel experiences.

The plan also contributes to implementing Resolution No. 25/NQ-CP dated February 5, 2025, of the Government, which sets growth targets across various sectors and localities, ensuring that the national economic growth rate in 2025 reaches 8% or higher. Specifically, the plan aims to achieve the following tourism targets:

  • International visitors: 22–23 million arrivals
  • Domestic tourists: 120–130 million trips

Furthermore, the plan seeks to strengthen coordination between localities, tourism enterprises, and related industries to develop attractive and cohesive tourism products in service of international visitors.

It also ensures the timely implementation of Government directives, fosters close cooperation among ministries, agencies, and local authorities, and encourages active participation from organizations and businesses in the aviation and tourism sectors.

According to the plan, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism will take the lead in developing, issuing, and announcing the 2025 tourism stimulus program. As part of this program, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will organize several key activities, including:

  • Promotional events introducing Vietnam’s tourism destinations in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, in connection with the 2025 tourism stimulus program.
  • Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland and the Czech Republic, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
  • Media campaigns to promote the 2025 tourism stimulus program.

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